About Yamunotri

The shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the road bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu, a place between Rishikesh - Uttarkashi.

Another 55 km away is Barkot, affording a fabulous view of the Banderpunch Range. Barkot is also approachable by road directly from Delhi (334 km ) via Saharanpur, Harbartpur, Nainbagh and Naugaon.8 km from Barkot is Gangani, a place of pilgrimage, on the left bank of Yamuna.

The holy tank here is called Gangayan Kund. Water from the tank is taken for puja purposes to the opposite village of Than, housing the imposing temple of Rishi Jamdagni. 2 kms. from Gangani is Kharadi a place known for its roaring waterfall.

The motorable road continues till Jankichatti via Syanachatti, Ranachatti and Hanumanchatti, 50 km from Barkot. From Jankichatti its is a 5 km trek to yamunotri for which ponies,dandies and kandies (baskets for carrying children) are also available.

The temple of Yamunotri falls on the left bank and was originally constructed by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. Near the temple are three hot springs. The most important, Surya Kund, is a tank full of boiling water into which rice and potatoes are dipped to be cooked and taken as “prasad”.

Near the Kund, a rock slab, the “Divya Shila” is worshipped before puja is offered to the black marble idol of Yamuna. The shrine of Yamunotri is one of the "four dhams" of Uttarakhand.

The source of Yamuna lies above 1 km. ahead at an altitude of about 4421 meters. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer puja at the temple itself.Pilgrims can find accommodation in the houses belonging to the "Pandas" or the sole Dharamshala.

On the way one can stay at Janaki Chatti 8 kms. from Hanuman Chatti. There are tourist bangalow, PWD and Forest Rest Houses and Dharamshalas.

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